BENNETT - Part 2 of the HMB Doggie Series
Chapter 3

The house is in escrow and I’m living with Kim until the sale is finalized. Mr. Trant assures me that it won’t be much longer until everything is taken care of and put in order. Since my scrambled mind can’t wrap around the concept of escrow I’m just taking his word for it.

In the meantime, I’m spending time acclimating to my new environment. I spend time at the beach, meandering around Main Street in Half Moon Bay and taking long hikes around El Granada and Montara. I swear the coastal air is doing something for me because I haven’t had a migraine attack since that last one four weeks ago. At least, not one that put me on my back for nine hours.

I walk by my house every day, feeling a pull to it I can’t quite explain. The little front porch is going to be perfect for a set of chairs, the perfect place for me and Kim to sit out and enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of tea. The back deck is larger, sublime for a table and some lounge chairs. I could even put in a little fire pit to keep me warm while I enjoy outdoor dinners. The idea stimulates me to no end.

Since I have little to no furniture I spend time perusing Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. I won’t buy anything yet until this escrow nonsense is over and done with, but I bookmark everything I’m going to get, right down to the last reading lamp.

Kim and I are sitting in her living room. It’s a cold Friday morning so the fire is roaring away and we are snuggled down reading. Fall in San Jose can still be fairly warm, so the change in temperature here on the coast is something I’m going to have to get used to. Lucky for me, I’m always cold and own five different pairs of onesies. Right now I’m sporting my leopard print one, complete with booties and a hood. It’s just enough to keep the chill away.

Kim puts her book down and looks at me contemplatively, “You know, I was thinking about something…that dream you had weeks ago…about the woman in your house? What if your subconscious was trying to tell you something?”

“Like what?” I put my book facedown as well, always ready to talk about the metaphysical.

“Obviously this last year was a tough one. The only good thing that came out of it was suing that drunk fuck for everything he was worth. So what if your subconscious is telling you that everything is going to be okay now that you’re here? You said she felt safe in that house, right?”

I nod.

“Yeah…maybe on some level you are telling yourself you’re finally safe. Bad things can no longer get to you, hence that man standing by the tree but not actually trespassing.”

“That’s actually a fairly good analysis.” And I mean it.

Kim smiles proudly.

My phone vibrates at me from the coffee table. I know it the second I see who’s calling me. Escrow is over. The house is mine. I can’t keep the smile off my face as I answer with a cheerful, “Hello, Mr. Trant.”

“Hi, Ms. Lacy,” his voice sounds different over the phone, less like a dirty old man, “Good news. Escrow has gone through. The house is now yours. You can come by the office to pick up the keys whenever you want.” He sounds proud of himself. I’m so excited I’m actually proud of him myself.

Kim is already off the couch, grabbing her purse and putting on her coat. She must have read the elation on my face.

“I’ll be right there, Mr. Trant.”

We are out the door the second I strip my onesie off.

I’m standing in the doorway of my new house. It’s Sunday morning. Kim and I spent the whole weekend moving everything I own, which wasn’t much but it was enough to keep us busy. The living room and dining room are still pretty empty but that will be fixed on Tuesday when the movers from Pottery Barn come to deliver my new furniture. Luckily I have a bed which at this point is all I really need to start nesting.

I breathe in deeply and feel the house give me a big hug. I’m finally home.

Kim just left, giving me a hug and kiss and congratulating me like I just had a baby. For how proud I feel right now I may as well have.

I close the door behind me and start to meander around the living room. Two beautiful skylights stare down at me from the vaulted ceiling, like little eyes watching over me. The kitchen and dining room are up a few steps over to the right. Huge bay windows look out into my little backyard. Off to the left are the two bedrooms. I took the one with the walk-in closet for myself. I’m still unsure what to do with the extra bedroom, which looks out over the front yard. It faces west so maybe that little art studio would be a good idea. Sunsets are always good inspiration. Maybe I could throw a little daybed in there for when I have company. I like that idea.

The extra bathroom is right next to the guest bedroom which will be nice for privacy. My bathroom is a cozy little space with a claw-footed tub, a small square shower and one sink. Since I have no boyfriend and no prospects on the horizon I figure the space will work for now.

I sit down onto the hardwood floors in the center of the living room and just let the house take me in. It truly does feel safe.

A week has gone by. The movers came on Tuesday and now my house is perfectly complete. I even got that daybed for the guest/art room. I decided to decorate in neutral colors and then add splashes of brightness throughout the house. The sofa and two chairs are a lovely taupe with red accent pillows. All my tables, dining, coffee and side alike, are dark oak and look absolutely fabulous with the soft cream walls. I’ve hung my pictures, stocked my cupboards and stocked my fridge. It feels as if the house has welcomed me in and appreciates the delicate care I took in decorating her. There’s nothing left for me to do but relish in my new life.

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